Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear that Israel will be the one to decide how to respond to Iran’s recent aggression, not the United States. This statement comes after the Biden administration advised Israel to exercise restraint in dealing with Iran and Hezbollah.
Despite listening to the opinions of the U.S., Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s final decisions will be based on its national interests. This stance was reinforced following a report from the Washington Post suggesting that the Biden White House believed Netanyahu had become more moderate in recent weeks.
While White House officials have received assurances from Israel that it will not target Iran’s oil or nuclear facilities, there is still an expectation of clarity and transparency regarding Israel’s plans for retaliation against Iran. This sentiment was echoed by White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, who emphasized the need for clear communication.
In response to the escalating tensions, President Biden approved the deployment of an advanced missile defense system, the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), to Israel. This system, along with the presence of approximately 100 U.S. soldiers to operate it, aims to enhance Israel’s defense capabilities against sophisticated missiles in Iran’s arsenal.
The Pentagon highlighted that the deployment of the THAAD system underscores the unwavering commitment of the United States to defend Israel and protect Americans in the region from potential ballistic missile attacks by Iran or its proxies. This move is part of broader adjustments made by the U.S. military to support Israel’s defense and safeguard against threats from Iran and Iranian-aligned militias.
By reinforcing Israel’s defense capabilities and commitment to its security, the United States aims to deter further aggression and ensure the safety of both Israeli and American interests in the region. The ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the two nations reflect the shared goal of maintaining stability and security in the Middle East amidst growing tensions with Iran.